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Jane Leight
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Discussion Comment
Jan, You are not alone in how you feel about quality issues in online education. In some cases, I would have to agree with you. I also have a degree in accounting from a traditional college and, until a few years ago, I felt that the education I received was preferable to an online degree. Then I took an online accounting class. I found that online learning forced me to take responsibility for my own learning. I transformed from a passive learner, who is fed information, to an active learner, who seeks information and learning opportunities. Some say that online… >>>
Discussion Comment
Anthony,
The Design Specification document would certainly do all that you outlined. It would be a very valuable tool for any course designer.
Unfortunately, the preparation of this document is very time consuming. As an alternative, many designers start with a prototype, which they upgrade after evaluation. Their improvements are reflected in versions. (isn't this how Bill Gates got rich?)
Do you think the benefits of the design specification outweigh the costs of the time invested?
:)
Jane
Discussion Comment
Anthony...
Another benefit of your asynchronous chats is that it would give your slower typists a chance to hone their skills.
One thing I always find helpful is that I post instructions for tasks the students may find tricky. For example, if my lesson requires that students use multiple windows, I will either post the instructions or take a few minutes at the beginning of the exercise to review the required techniques.
Good post :)
Jane
Discussion Comment
Hi Anne,
In what way would this document be beneficial to the developer? to the instructor?
Thanks :)
Jane
Discussion Comment
Anne,
The question presented was regarding the types of assessment methods you would use in an online course that you were either developing or teaching. What are your thoughts on this topic?
Thanks :)
Jane
Discussion Comment
Anne,
You are correct, both synchronous and asynchronous discussion methods can be beneficial to all students. Aside from the benefit to "shy" students, can you think of other benefits to asynchronous methods?
Some educators feel that asynchronous methods lead to deeper learning. Do you agree?
:)
Jane
Discussion Comment
Lewis, As an instructor, you have a very strong sense of what an online course should be. You have developed many tools and methodologies to assist students and ensure their success in your courses. From a developer's point of view... before the instructor becomes involved... there is a design specification document that serves as your roadmap for developing the course. Do you see this document as a useful tool? Or, do you feel that the time and effort required for creating this document could be better spent in developing a prototype for the course management software, which would be improved… >>>
Discussion Comment
Lewis,
Your management of the online chat is terrific. I also find that rubrics help students understand how their chat sessions will be evaluated. I especially like your "timeout" idea. Not only does that allow others to "talk", it gives the superchatter a chance to "listen."
How do you handle asynchronous chats?
:)
Jane
Discussion Comment
Teya,
Good point about creating all courses to an equal standard. I am interpreting this to mean that all courses must meet a certain level of quality. Did I get that right?
One think you want to avoid; however, is having courses be carbon copies of each other. What works for one course may or may not work for another. Each course must be evaluated and designed in a manner that is appropriate to the subject matter and interesting to the students.
Can a course design specification document be helpful in meeting these criteria?
:)
Jane
Discussion Comment
Hi Teya,
I am curious... what about asynchronous discussion would make it more condusive to the Web design course?
How do you see your students interacting in your online classroom?
I am interested in your thoughts :)
Jane
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